Delhiites Wake Up To Teeth-Chattering Chill And Poor Visibility
Brace yourselves, Delhi—it’s a foggy and frigid start to the week ahead! As you woke up groggily this Monday morning, a blast of icy air greeted you with the mercury plunging below 5°C suddenly. Adding to winter worries, visibility on roads and near the airport has dropped drastically due to air thick with dense fog. This double whammy means flight delays, poor air quality, and the urgent need to bundle up for the big chill.
Departures Delayed, Arrivals Rescheduled at Delhi Airport
Since last midnight, Indira Gandhi International Airport has witnessed heavy fog that has reduced visibility to under 200 meters across operational areas today. With poor visibility and low cloud cover, at least a dozen flights have faced cancellations so far, while numerous others have been delayed. More rescheduling of arrivals and departures is likely throughout the day until the fog clears up.
Passengers are strongly advised to confirm updated flight schedules directly with the airline before heading to the airport today. If you are to catch a flight from Delhi, ensure you allot ample additional time to cover potential rescheduling or delays induced by the inclement weather. Keep hand baggage light and postpone non-critical travel if possible.
Cold Wave Persists, Night Temperatures Set To Drop Further
Meanwhile, Delhi continues to remain under the grip of a cold wave, with icy winds blowing from the Himalayan region and minimum temperatures dropping rapidly. From nearly 12°C just a few days ago, the minimum temperature dipped close to 4°C last night across Delhi-NCR. In fact, the Weather Channel forecasts reveal mercury could plunge to 2 to 3°C by night later this week, so those woolens better be handy!
The India Meteorological Department confirms that such below-normal temperatures are likely to persist for the next 2–3 days at least. So brace yourselves for a teeth-chattering chill when stepping out early mornings or late evenings this week. Limit your time outdoors and take all precautions against coughs, colds, and other respiratory infections known to spread fast in the winter months.
Very poor air quality Triggers Health Warning
The air quality index has also dipped into the ‘ very poor’ category this week at 380, meaning harmful particulate matter concentrations have peaked due to the dense fog not allowing vehicle emissions or other pollutants to disperse quickly. Weather experts have cautioned people to minimize exposure and avoid outdoor activities given the health hazards posed. Particularly, those vulnerable to asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases should stay indoors as much as possible.
Emergency medicine specialists have also issued advisories regarding the risks of direct exposure to fog and very cold conditions. Those spending hours outdoors for work or travel must take preventative care and get immediate attention in case of visibility issues, breathing trouble, or signals of hypothermia. Stay safe out there, Delhiites!
Clearing Skies and Marginal Warmth Expected Later This
Week Before the winter misery gets you dismayed, pin your hopes on some good news coming ahead on the weather front! According to private forecasters, wind speeds are set to pick up in Delhi after January 24th. Strong surface-level winds should help dissipate the dense fog and improve overall visibility and airflow. Thereafter, minimum temperatures could also start recovering towards 6 to 7°C next week, giving slight warmth.
Until then, make sure you are geared up for additional delays, allow for potentially canceled flights or train journeys, and remain super vigilant on the roads. Share your best practices below to drive safely amid dense fog and keep yourself, your family, and your friends warm in these frigid temperatures! Together, Delhi can fight through a few harsh days to emerge stronger for springtime!